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Quirk and Tatekawa named Sunwolves captains

Sunwolves flanker Ed Quirk and centre Harumichi Tatekawa have been named co-captains for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

Quirk, 25, previously played for the Reds before joining the Sunwolves in 2016.

Tatekawa meanwhile has been a regular international for Japan in recent seasons. The duo take over from last season’s captain, Japan hooker Shota Horie.

“Leadership will be extremely important for the Sunwolves this year and we are excited to be announcing Harumichi Tatekawa and Edward Quirk as the captains for the 2017 Super Rugby Campaign,” Sunwolves head coach Filo Tiatia said.

“Super Rugby is a gruelling competition that tests all teams and a collaborative leadership group both on and off the field will be what is needed to endure it.

“Although the Sunwolves are a recently new addition to the competition we are blessed to have numerous players with leadership experience, all of whom will be able to contribute as we guide the team.

“As an organization we have agreed on the slogan of “Rise as One” and a shared leadership model compliments what we are about. I have been talking with both men regularly and together we are looking forward to the challenges.”

Quirk said: “Being given the opportunity to Co-Captain the Sunwolves along with Harumichi Tatekawa for the season of 2017 is an amazing honour and I am extremely humbled by this opportunity. The coaching staff along with the 2017 squad shows huge potential for the up and coming Super Season.

“With another tough year of rugby ahead, I feel with the amount of experience the squad has, there is a great chance for all members to grow not only as players but as leaders and men.

“All members of the squad have leadership qualities and every member will be called upon in their own way to lead the team on and off the field.

“With the privilege of a leadership role, this doesn’t take me away from hard work and the drive to get better and improve on and off the field. You are never guaranteed a spot and a healthy competition is always encouraged.

“I have high hopes for the Sunwolves for 2017 and will give every inch to my teams mates for a successful year.

Tatekawa added: “It is an honour to be appointed as a co-captain along with Edward Quirk. Edward and I will jointly work together to unite the team and do our best to gain more victories than the last season.”